Senior heavy team eyes league title and the state meet

By Matt Phelps
Mercer Island Reporter

The Mercer Island High School wrestling team had a decent year in 2006-2007, finishing with a 5-3 record and in fourth place in 3A KingCo. But with no seniors and a brutal schedule, the focus was on improving and the 2007-2008 season.

This year the Islanders are stacked with good athletes, talented newcomers and a group of seniors hungry for the team’s first KingCo title since they were freshmen.

“We have a lot of optimism, and they were really excited during the off-season,” said Mercer Island head coach Creighton Laughary. “Last year felt like ‘just wait until next year.’ I hope to take a van full of kids to state this time.”

But it has been a long two years for two Mercer Island seniors, Chris Pothoven (215 pounds) and Alex Faith (125 pounds). During the 2005-2006 season both wrestlers competed at state. Neither placed at the meet but both felt, as sophomores, they would be back. After disappointing performances last season at districts, the two athletes know they have one more chance to make their mark.

“This is our last shot,” said Faith. “There is no more ‘could haves,’ this is it. Last year was tough with no seniors, but we learned a lot. We won the KingCo title my freshman year and I want to do that again.”

For other seniors like Austin Frazier (145 pounds), Tanner Linton, Jackson Fischer (130 pounds) and Davin Kunovsky (135 pounds), getting to state would be the ultimate way to finish their Islander career. For wrestlers like Frazier, they started preparing for this season a long time ago.

“This year I have really pushed myself because there is more expected and I want to get to state,” said Frazier.

Frazier has a respect of even his senior teammates.

“He put together one of the best off-season programs,” said Pothoven.

“I think that there is the same amount of pressure this year but we are better fit to handle it.”

Linton was among the top heavy weights in 3A KingCo last season. But in that division the smallest mistake can cost wrestlers their goals and dreams.

“He took a big step forward last year by qualifying for regionals,” said Laughary. “He got to that next level but we have high hopes for him.”

The Islanders have an extra energy in the practice room this year, thanks to 40 athletes turning out for the team. Last year the team was in the low 30s.

“There is some great intensity in the room and a sense that everyone is working,” said Laughary. “It really ratchets things up a bit.”

The increase in numbers is not just about atmosphere.

“It really allows us to match people up better at practice,” said Laughary.

More kids also means that the Islanders should be able to fill all the weight classes during their meet. Last season, defaults cost Mercer Island key points.

“We already know that we have all the weights covered,” said Laughary.

The team has even pulled athletes from other winter sports teams. Sophomore Inar Zhang left the defending state champion boys swim team to join the wrestling team.

But of the newcomers to the team two freshman, Colton Knebel (152 pounds) and Kyle Shanafelt (103 pounds), could make their mark on the varsity sooner than later, said Laughary.

“We have some good kids coming in,” he said.

The coach, who took over for long-time head coach Paul Jackson three years ago, said that the team is not just his squad.

“It still has a strong stamp from Paul, but this is the kids team,” said Laughary.